Native Grass Seeding Rates

Much needs to be learned about seeding rates for California native grass turf, which should be much higher than seeding for meadows or restoration areas.

Dense planting of native grass from seed. How dense is too dense?

The seeding rate for native grasses used in this project was based on the suggested rate of 2 lbs. pure live seed (PLS)/1,000 sq. ft. from Pacific Coast Seed Inc. (click on Technical Information, then on Natives & Restoration, then on Native Grass Lawns). But smaller seed can be planted at a slightly lower rate, and larger seed may need a slightly higher rate in order to arrive at a given number of seeds per square foot. Therefore, a rate of 1-3 lbs. PLS/1,000 sq. ft. is likely most appropriate, but further research is needed.

Pure live seed (PLS) is usually specified on a seed label. It is the % seed purity x % viable seed. Seed purity can be reduced by weed seed and other material, and seed viability can vary by species and lot. Also note that older seed loses its viability after a few years.